Most people who are exposed to the Legionella bacteria do not become ill. Middle-aged and older people are more susceptible to this disease. The disease has also been reported in children although less severe. Smokers and persons with chest problems are more commonly affected.
Legionnaire’s disease symptoms are headaches, temperature growth, abdominal pain, diarrhea, cough, fever, muscle pain, vomiting and having a problem in breathing.
Treatment with antibiotics is the cornerstone of treatment, erythromycin is the first choice of medication drugs. In addition to erythromycin, critically ill patients could receive rifampicin, an antibiotic commonly used to treat tuberculosis. Medications can be managed intravenously initially, then orally once the patient's condition become better, Treatment generally lasts for 3 weeks or even more and all prescription drugs must be taken, even if symptoms disappear. Critically, patients may be hospitalized in an intensive care unit (ICU), where oxygen can be managed and vital signs can be monitored regularly. These precautions helps to stop or avoid complications such as heart failure, kidney failure, and change of heartbeat irregularity.
